Cas was the one to pull away from Gary, breaking their kiss, her and Gary left breathless.

“What I see before me... I can’t even put into words. You’re truly a little sexy ball of magic manifested before me right now,” Gary told her. The words he’d never in his right mind say out loud just tumbled out naturally while lost in the incredible eyes of the girl. The sentence itself sounded like nothing he thought would come to mind to begin with! It was more like something out of a movie! It was insane that he had uttered such words, but somehow, he felt calm and confident about it. “Please, travel with me.”

“You’re so nice, but I’m just a girl who lives on the border of somewhere and nowhere,” Cas shook her head, a longing look in her eyes.

“I love you, Cas.”

“Gary, I love you, too.”

“Then-”

“But we have to break this.”

Gary didn’t speak, listening to her.

“I think your partner really cares for you, and you do for her, too. The both of you, with your whole hearts.”

“She’s only a-”

“A person you couldn’t be upfront with me about,” Cas smiled at him gently.

Gary wanted to whimper, cry, and beg for her to understand.

“I don’t know her but she seems like a ray of sunshine in your life. And I don’t want to wreck that. Not to a girl like that.”

“So you want to end all this, is what you’re saying,” Gary began to slowly accept.

Cas closed her eyes and lowered her head. “Yeah... I’m sorry if this hurts you in any way. But we can’t do this to her. It isn’t fair to her. If she really is just a traveling partner, she isn’t even here to welcome me into the group you two have. It might come off backstabbing.”

“Well, it’s not like you’re saying anything wrong.” Gary felt stuck for a moment on what else to say, his heart falling far, far into the depths of his body. “I’m not sure what to say.”

“I’m sorry it had to come to such an abrupt end. It’s nothing against you and I’m sorry if I brought you any pain... If you had just told me from the beginning... or if you just were traveling alone to begin with, this would be so much different. But I can’t fight what’s right and what’s wrong. And I feel like if we continue down this path, it’s only going to end in sorrow.”

Gary kept his tear-filled eyes to the ground, not wanting to stare at Cas any longer. “I suppose.” He blinked, and tears dripped to the floor.

Cas witnessed this. “You were beautiful and for a short while you gave me something to look forward to. I’ll never forget the feelings you gave me.”

“I won’t forget how you made me feel, too. I promise that.” Perhaps... this is a test? Gary found himself wondering, a little shot of hope filling up his chest and stopping his tears. He looked up slowly to the Gym Leader. “I almost want to fight back a little, to be honest...” he tried. “But I feel like you’re pretty adamant about this.” He was already giving up again.

“She’s your partner. I’m just a witch from Ohio. It can’t be any other way.”

“A very special witch... to me...” Gary’s voice quivered. “But okay. I guess, that’s it...”

“I suppose so. I hope you don’t resent me.”

“Oh, no. How could I?”

“I’m not sure.” Cas was now the one looking away from Gary, a hesitant look on her face. “But promise me you’ll never come back here, or seek me out.” Her eyes were now on Gary’s eyes, a sharp glare in them.

This didn’t surprise nor put off Gary. He just stared back easily.

“Just so there’s no temptation. I’m sorry honey, but I’m an honest woman and this isn’t right.”

Gary just nodded. He couldn’t speak. He wanted to, but he just couldn’t. Is this of my own free will? Or is she using a spell on me right now? Gary was making a joke to himself, but he also couldn’t help but wonder just how much of a joke it was.

For the first time in his life, he truly believed in witches and magic spells.

*

Gary licked the spoon that held so much flavor even though no food was on it anymore. He stared down sadly at the container and tears streamed down his cheeks.

The container previously held a stew inside, and it was sooooooo delicious to Gary! He had never tasted anything like it!

Cas had made it for him to take, winking while admitting it was “special" and "something to remember me by."

While Gary was a little uncomfortable taking it, he let that go after one hesitant taste she insisted he have. Some time later that night, in the middle of the woods, Gary had finished the surprisingly still-hot meal, crying the entire time. Touched that she had even sent him away with food. He sighed with sadness and looked around him.

Electivire was still gone, having left some time ago to cause a ruckus in the forest, training by himself.

Galvantula was settled on the ground, staring at Gary, which creeped him out.

Magneton hovered over Galvantula, staring at Gary but not disturbing the kid as much.

Raichu sat by Gary, his ears perked up as his eyes looked around trying to identify random noises.

Gary’s Pokemon were in their Poke Balls, next up to eat after June’s.

What do these things want from me? Gary questioned, knowing he knew the answer. I can’t help you guys. He refused to even look them in the eyes. I just have to feed you dudes, but after that, stay away! I’ve even kept you guys in shape and battled! I know what you all want! I’m not June, though! I can’t talk to you or give you the proper attention you want! I’m sorry! I don’t know where June is! I don’t know how to find her! I hear you guys speak to me, needing answers, every day! Gary finally glared at the three Pokemon. “What?” he asked shortly.

Not one Pokemon answered him.

An explosion went off from far away, but everyone ignored Electivire by now except for the animals that were still around.

“Look, you all ate, I let you all stretch out and do what you want, but you just wanna freak me out and I’m not in the mood!” Gary stared right at Galvantula. “I can’t-!” He inhaled hard, unsure of what to tell her or the other Pokemon. “Guys, I don’t have time for this crap!” He soon returned the three Pokemon back. And I’m sick of that thing, too! Gary thought irritably of Electivire. I have to gain control of him. Electivire cannot just go around doing what he wants! At least he isn’t bothering me, though... He must just want to defeat that thing that captured June. That was his goal. Gary’s eyes closed as hot tears formed. A shared goal... Between him, and Hitmonchan...

“They share a different goal,” June had explained a long while back to Gary about Electivire and Hitmonchan.

“Share a different goal?” Gary questioned.

June nodded. “One wants to stop Team Solace. The other, wants to beat that... beast... And they support one another. They’re like best friends. Who’d have thought Electivire could make a friend?”

Gary’s eyes widened, witnessing a tear roll down June’s cheek.

Gary blinked a few times. Electivire, having a friend... Yeah. Who’d have thought? Electivire lost something close to him... He sat in silence, thinking about his Pokemon he still had to feed before finally getting up and putting June’s Pokemon bowls away.

That was when he recalled something. Back in Bewilder Forest, when he had spilled the contents of June’s bag in front of Cas. He reached in June’s bag and pulled out the item that had caught his attention back then. A Water Stone. Gary turned it in his hand. Weird. Where’d she get this? he wondered. Suddenly, his memory was jogged as he recalled Stone Town, a town in the Kanto region.

June had earned an Evolution stone while there after she won a battling competition. After an incident that nearly cost her her Eevee’s life, she was given an extra stone, a Leaf Stone, which she gave to Gary.

She chose the Water Stone for herself? Gary wondered. But she trains Electric types. Who evolves on her team by stone? Pikachu, well, when she had Pikachu. She traded it to Rob, right? Eevee... What else? There has to be something else. Why else would she have a Water Stone? Wouldn’t she choose Jolteon over Vaporeon? Why’d she never tell me the stone she chose? He returned the stone back to the bag and continued to put everything else away.

When Gary’s Pokemon came out and he gave them their food, the six of them chomping away, Gary was able to return to his thoughts again. This lasted only a second as he jumped from a frightening noise that certainly came from Electivire. Ignoring it, he watched the eating Pokemon.

The Pokemon were relatively calm knowing the wild sounds were from Electivire, but they weren’t completely at ease, either.

Gary was starting to feel sleepy now, his eyes shutting, so he slapped himself hard on each side of the face.

His Pokemon all turned to him, chewing.

Gary shut his eyes and shook his head sharply. When they opened, he kept them wide. Stay up, man. No point in sleeping now. We’re not even that far off from the next city. Jubilife City. I can get my next Badge, and finally make some calls. And after that, I know Canalave City is not far. Finally.

He looked behind him and then back to his Pokemon. Prof. Oak... he thought sadly. I can’t believe it, sir. He looked up to the night sky and inhaled. Things will never be the same. He closed his eyes as they started to tear, and his head lowered quickly. Hitmonchan... His back leaned against a nearby tree. Cas... Tears were running down his cheeks. I’ve lost... everything. June. His hands rubbed at his eyes, and then he stared at the ground. Crap, man... More tears started to roll out from his eyes and he sniffled. Why couldn’t she just come with me? How am I supposed to handle all of this on my own? I have no one. Even Charizard isn’t with me right now. All I had in the world left was Cas... He was watching his Pokemon now, staring at their food bowls. “You guys aren’t done yet?!” Gary snapped at them.

The Pokemon turned to him and then turned to their bowls in response to his outburst.

Kirlia’s horn glowed light blue. When the glow went away, he, Scizor, Clamperl and Sabrina started digging into their bowls even faster.

Primeape and Hoothoot eyed Gary silently.

Inhaling big, Gary puffed out his chest, glaring at them all. When he released his breath, he ended up sucking his teeth. He was tempted to just recall the Pokemon back, dump their food on the ground and collect the bowls, and just take off. Where? He stared at his hands as he held them up to his face. His arms were trembling. With a determined look coming over his face, his hands made fists and he nodded quickly. I can’t, Gary decided, narrowing his eyebrows. Cas. Cas, I love you! He returned every one of his Pokemon and in fact tossed any remaining food onto the ground before putting the bowls back in his bag. He slipped his arms into the straps of his bag and then jumped at the sound of something approaching.

Electivire had returned with a brisk walk.

“ELECTIVIRE! GET JUNE’S BAG!!” Gary then took off through the woods, leaving behind a confused Electivire and all of June’s other Pokemon and stuff. He barely thought about what he just did as he tore through the grassy dirt ground, stomping the path with a look of desperation and hope on his face. A smirk came over his mouth. I don’t know how to take a hint, but I love you, Cas. This feeling you gave me, I can’t let it go so easily. I can’t give up like this. Whether it’s a spell you’ve put on me, or for the first time, I’m actually in love, but I have to try and convince you to make this work, for us. I have to try at least one more time if I truly love you, Cas.

A couple of creatures ran away through the grass, startled as the human charged through the nighttime woods. Cries and shouts came out, and animals fluttered into the air, bugs and birds alike.

Rattata, Gary thought absentmindedly, recognizing a Pokemon, but he didn’t slow down. Cas. Cas. Cas. Despite charging through utter darkness, Gary magically reached the area where the Powerzone Gym was. He stopped, out of breath, and bent over to get his hands on his knees. He couldn’t see Cas in the limited area, so he went straight for the Gym. Before he reached the large, open double doors, he came to a stop, gasping with a huge, openmouthed smile. “Cas!”

Cas was stepping out of her Gym building, yawning cutely, her hand over her mouth. Her hair didn’t seem to be well brushed, but wasn’t a total mess, either. She also was noticeably absent on makeup, though it took nothing away from her beauty to Gary. It was in fact a far better look to him. Another thing that stood out to Gary was the top Cas had on. Nothing more than a black and gray sports bra, matching pajama pants underneath. Her mouth went to one side tightly, her eyes off to the same side, and she stretched her left arm downward, her right hand raising up to her shoulder. Once she saw Gary, she gasped and covered her chest, backing up a couple of steps. “Gary?!”

Cas wasn’t that big of a girl, but certainly had a little weight on her, Gary’s eyes glued to her chunky stomach before forcing his vision back to her face. Oh, mama... Gary couldn’t believe what he was witnessing. Yes. This girl is the one! Gary was certain. “Cas!” He walked over to her, taking in every bit of this enchanting, lucky moment. Cas... He beamed uncontrollably at her and finally stopped walking as he was now within a mere couple of feet of her presence.

“Gary, what are you doing here??” Cas cried.

“I’m sorry. I guess you’ve forgotten all about me, and don’t wish to see me anymore, huh?” Gary stared at her sadly, hoping with every fiber of his being that she would deny these things.

Cas tightened her arms around her body and looked down. “No... I was actually just thinking about you, Gary. But...” She looked at him. “Gary, why have you come back?”

“Because what I feel for you, I don’t see happening again with anyone. You... were special, Cas. And always will be to me.” Gary was begging, pleading for Cas to say she felt the same way about him as he stared at her with watery eyes.

“You were special to me, too, honey,” Cas admitted, looking at the boy.

Gary’s heart flipped repeatedly with joy, and he stepped closer to her. “I still love you, baby,” Gary went on slowly, wanting more, wanting to touch her bare arms. Wanting to hold her revealed shoulders. Wanting to rub her bare, lower back. Wanting to kiss those lips forever! “That won’t change.” He got even closer, ready to grab her hands. “You’ve forever affected me. So I had to... I-”

“Gary, I told you not to come back here...”

“Huh?” Gary froze, taken aback by her sentence. His heart started to crack. “Cas, I can’t!”

Cas just shook her head, her big, lovely eyes wooing Gary. “No. We can’t, Gary. I told you, I’m an honest woman. What we want just isn’t right.”

Cas’ sweet, sweet, almost Southern accent wasn’t helping to persuade Gary to stay away. In fact, the more she spoke, the more he wanted to marry the girl!

“You need to worry about your friend.”

“Stop bringing her up! Please!” Gary insisted.

She just shook her head. “I do love you, Gary.”

“Then there’s no problem, Cas!”

Cas didn’t speak after that, staring at Gary with sadness, a pleading in her eyes.

“I love you, Cas.” Gary’s voice was weakening to a croak. “Don’t do this to me. Don’t leave me. Not after what you did to me. Your spell, your love and attention, our kisses. All you’ve done, you can’t just leave me like this. Cas, I love you.” Gary was now just letting the tears fall, his last resort to keep the girl he had fallen in love with.

Cas closed her eyes and lowered her head, tears falling down her cheeks as well. “It’s not fair to blame me like that... To say I put a spell on you...” Her eyes opened, glittering behind tears. “I never put a spell on you. I didn’t force this to happen!”

Gary nodded. “You’re right. You didn’t force this. I’m legitimately in love! I love who you are! I love how you are!” He sniffled. “Don’t... Cas. Please!”

“This is why I said not to come back. Because it’s wrong! And it’s so tempting to go back to what we were...”

“Then let’s go back, and stay there!” Gary was beginning to feel hopeful again. He smiled. “Baby. Cas, pleeeeeease.”

Cas stared, not answering. She looked down, thinking.

“Cas?” Gary held his breath. Please, Cas... He started to reach out to her hands.

In that instant, Cas looked at his eyes.

Gary ended up freezing in place. “Cas?” Just grab her hands! Make her feel your love! Gary screamed in his head. Why can’t I move??

Cas sniffled and closed her eyes, turning her head away. “Take care, honey. And be careful with...” Her head tilted, as if wanting to stare at Gary, but stopping short. “...Sea.”

Gary finally broke free of the hold keeping him from moving, and desperately tried one last time to touch Cas. “If I said I wanted you to not leave because you have my heart in a death grip, what would you say??” He reached out and grabbed her shoulders as she turned her back on him.

Gary went right through Cas’ body!

Screaming, Gary hit the cement ground of... a city?! Gasping, Gary looked around him in confusion. “What...?”

Around Gary that night were several skyscrapers and other shorter buildings, lights glowing in numerous windows, with displays and billboards all over the sidewalks. Many men and women of all ages, heights, and skin colors, looked at Gary like he was a crazy person, some even pulling out their phones to take a picture or film him. Some people were just walking by as if they hadn’t seen the kid at all.

Gary’s eyes stretched as wide as they could possibly get. He got to his feet and struggled to keep his balance, terrified of his sudden surroundings.

The forest and grass were all gone. Had he just been teleported to a new location?

“Electivire!”

Gary turned quickly and gasped. “Electivire!”

Electivire stood several feet from Gary, in the middle of the crowd, holding the strap of June’s bag. He also looked surprised, staring at the new people and environment.

Gary made a full circle, trying to make sense of what had happened. He then stopped in disbelief at what stood before his eyes. Seconds later, everything made complete sense to him. And now, he was pissed. “HEY!!” He pointed at the thing that brought such fury into his heart, and he charged after the Pokemon, getting past Electivire who stayed still.

The Pokemon took off, getting lost easily in the crowd of people and the tight setup of huge buildings.

People screamed and pointed as it got around them, even leaping over groups, and Gary kept up his chase, the scared people confirming where the Pokemon had last been. “HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYY!!!” Gary bellowed. “GET BACK HERRRRRRE!!” He grabbed at a Poke Ball and tossed it, not fully thinking out his plan. He flew past his own Pokemon he had let out.

“PRRRRIME!!” Primeape immediately chased after Gary. Even though his Trainer was moving at top speed, Primeape was having no trouble keeping up. “PRIME! PRIME!!” The vicious Pokemon was loving the game that seemed to be going on, bouncing and leaping, swinging out punches and kicking wildly.

As the pair turned another corner, someone screamed loudly.

“PRIMEAPE!! DON’T HIT ANYONE!! JUST GET THAT POKEMON!!” Gary pointed.

“PRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMEAAAAAAAAAAPE!!!” At that, Primeape blasted ahead of Gary and followed the path of the Pokemon they were chasing.

“GET THAT STANTLER, PRIMEAAAAAAAAAAPE!!!” Gary demanded, enraged. All this time, it was all just a stupid illusion! Gary yelled in his head. I wasn’t back with Cas at all! With a ferocious roar, tears also falling, Gary did his best to locate the two Pokemon that disappeared around another curve. He finally made that turn less than a minute later and came to a stop after several seconds as a crowd formed around an incident. Inhaling hard, he ran into the crowd and shoved his way through, grabbing people, tossing people, elbowing his way into the middle of everything until finally, he broke through and landed hard on his knees. He gasped sharply in pain but focused on his Primeape.

Primeape was kicking and punching at Stantler, and with a final kick, Stantler cried out and collapsed.

Gary pushed himself to his feet quickly and dug into his pocket. “HEY! GO!!” Gary came out with a Poke Ball and quickly enlarged it, throwing it right after.

The Poke Ball hit Stantler and opened, pulling it in by a red beam. The ball landed and shook, shook, and shook some more before...

PING!

The red light remained, and then the Poke Ball glowed, disappearing in seconds.

Primeape turned to Gary, raising his fists and grunting with pride.

There were even a few claps in the crowd.

Gary was done, though. He fell harder than he had planned on his butt and sat there, not happy one bit. Glaring, in fact.

Primeape noticed this and the happiness was removed from his face as his arms dropped. “Prrrime?”

Gary wasn’t mad at Primeape, and looked away from him. Still crying, he grabbed a Poke Ball and held it out.

“Hoooooot!!” Hoothoot appeared, flapping his wings and lowering himself to the ground to stand on one foot.

Gary held out his open hand to Hoothoot. “Foresight!”

Hoothoot stared at the object in Gary’s hand and his eyes glowed red, shining red lights on Gary’s Phobia Badge. When the lights went away, the Badge remained.

Gary made a fist, enclosing the Badge, and just stared at his fist. He blinked, and more tears flowed down his cheeks.

Hoothoot looked at his Trainer and cocked his head.

So the Badge is real, Gary accepted. It was all real. Except for the last part... With never-ending tears, Gary couldn’t help but wonder if maybe the final illusion was done on purpose by Cas to keep him away from her. This possibility hurt him. But not as much as the general loss he felt in his heart.

He could accept that Cas had to do what she had to to keep him from returning if she didn’t want him.

But the fact that he felt he had found something. Something that he never thought he would, nor that it would feel so amazing, and powerful. Just to lose it just as fast.

Hurt more than anything else that he’d felt since June was taken.